Celebrating John Walker and the invention of the Friction Match
Stockton-on-Tees is celebrating John Walker and the 200th anniversary of the invention of the friction match with a host of activities and events across the Borough over the next two years.
Stockton-born John Walker inadvertently created the first friction match in 1826 when a coated stick ignited upon striking the stone at the front of his fireplace.
Walker originally started out as an apprentice to a surgeon, but later opened a chemist shop in the town, leading to his accidental discovery which changed the world.
To coincide with John Walker's birthday (29 May 1781), the activities programme, starting in May 2026, will shine a spotlight on Walker as an extraordinary local inventor.
Taking place across venues like Preston Park, Stockton Central Library and the Parkmore Hotel, some of the events include:
Gallery Trails
Explore a John Walker and invention themed trail that will run through Preston Park Museum from May. Perfect for families, the trail will explore invention and discovery.
Available from Saturday 23 May 2026 at Preston Park Museum.
Discovery Station
A John Walker and friction match Discovery Station, featuring handling objects.
Available from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2026 at Preston Park Museum.
Live Science Demonstrations
Two days of live demonstrations delivered by Big Science where visitors can explore chemistry, invention and the friction match.
Taking place on Monday 25 May 2026 and Sunday 31 May 2026 at Preston Park Museum.
Matchbox Treasures
Hands-on drop-in craft workshops, inviting families to create illustrated matchboxes inspired by collections, design and storytelling.
Taking place on Tuesday 26 May and Thursday 28 May 2026 at Preston Park Museum.
Matchstick Model (The Big Draw)
An artist-led activity inspired by a matchstick model of Stockton Castle rediscovered during the offsite store rationalisation project. This will be delivered as part of The Big Draw 2026.
Taking place on Friday 29 May 2026 at Preston Park Museum.
Matchbox stories
Drop-in creative writing sessions exploring stories of invention, memory, and everyday objects, led by artist Mim Robson at Preston Park Museum.
John Walker Weekend
The British Matchbox Label and Bookmatch Society are hosting a 'John Walker Weekend' in partnership with enthusiast Mike Pryor.
This includes hosting the premier of a documentary film about Walker, funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and a visit to Preston Park to view the John Walker exhibits.
Taking place from Friday 29 May 2026 to Sunday 31 May 2026 at the Parkmore Hotel in Eaglescliffe.
Book tickets on the British Matchbox website.
Talking Tees Valley (Tees Valley Museums)
A John Walker and friction match-themed Talking Tees Valley pack is being produced by Tees Valley Museums Group.
The packs support conversations for people living with dementia and are widely distributed across care homes and NHS services in the Tees Valley.
The packs will be available for distribution from May 2026.
Talks and guided walks
'The Matchmakers Trail.' A guided Tour of John Walker's Stockton.
Taking place on Saturday 29 May 2026 in Stockton Town Centre, starting from Stockton Central Library
'Strike a Light - John Walker and the Friction Match.' A talk by Martin Peagam, The Time Traveller.
Taking place on Wednesday 2 September 2026 at Preston Park Museum.
An exciting exhibition will also be held in Stockton Central Library this summer, with full details to be confirmed soon.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We are very excited to celebrate the bicentenary of John Walker and his invention of the friction match.
"Preston Park Museum holds several rare and nationally significant artefacts relating to John Walker and this programme will shine a spotlight on him as an extraordinary local inventor whose creation transformed everyday life around the world.
"We hope the events taking place will inspire people and provide a spark like the impact Walker had with the everyday match we are all familiar with today.
"This year will set the scene for an exciting events programme coming in 2027. Keep an eye on the Council's social media channels for more information, including a fantastic exhibition planned for the summer at Stockton Central Library."
The events this year will celebrate Walker as an inventor while building momentum towards a larger events programme in 2027, which marks the 200th anniversary of when he sold the first friction matches in his Stockton shop.
This will include a special 'John Walker Week' at Preston Park next February, as part of an education programme for school children, featuring interactive science workshops.
Follow the Council's social media pages to find out more about the activities taking place this year.
